Sam Houston's Republic

Sam Houston was born in Rockbridge County, VA which is named after this formation, known today as Natural Bridge. Houston's cousin Matthew had an inn nearby and the area was a favorite romping place for young Sam.

The site was surveyed by George Washington in 1750 and his initials can be seen carved into the inside wall.

Thomas Jefferson saw it for the first time on August 23, 1767 and declared it to be one of "the most sublime of Nature's works." He bought it from King George III in 1774 along with 157 acres of land, and recorded visits to the site in 1815, 1817, and 1821.

We made a special trip to film Natural Bridge for the documentary and if you are ever in the area it is a must-see.
(GPS coordinates: N37 37.702 W079 32.668)

"Office has no charm for me that it must be purchased at the sacrifice of my conscience and the loss of my self respect." —Sam Houston

An amazing event, depicted in the book.

On New Year's Eve of 1776, after the crossing of the Delaware and a victory at Trenton, General Washington's soldiers' enlistments were set to end. He gave an impassioned speech, along with $10 in hard coins for any man who stepped forward to stay. It worked.

Davy Crockett Quote I would rather be beaten and be a man than to be elected and be a little puppy dog. I have always supported measures and principles and not men. I have acted fearless[ly] and independent and I never will regret my course. I would rather be politically buried than to be hypocritically immortalized.

Excellent historical fiction, The Resistance is on my TBR list!